Redesign -- Engadget

redesign posts

Switched gets a redesign!

by Joshua Topolsky posted Apr 17th 2009 at 11:54AM

We know that a lot of you hardcore gadget nerds can't get enough of what Engadget is laying down (and we love that) -- but we've got other sites in the tech network here that contribute their own special blend of insight when it comes to gadgets and geek culture. One of the finest examples would be our main bros over at Switched. We just wanted to turn your attention to their web locale for a moment to make you aware of the totally rad redesign they've just undergone. Not unlike our compatriots over at Joystiq, the Switched folks have just gotten a much-needed fresh coat of paint (and some undercarriage work). Be sure and take some time to check out their new duds -- you won't be sorry.

Apple's all-new MacBook Pro packs new NVIDIA GPUs, glass trackpad

by Paul Miller posted Oct 14th 2008 at 11:57AM

Oh, don't act so surprised. A refresh of Apple's long-in-the-tooth MacBook Pro line was pretty much the only sure thing slated for today's event, and Apple certainly delivered. As for looks, you probably know the score by now: chiclet keyboard, Air-inspired aluminum stylings, and a glossy screen that's flush with a new iMac-like black bezel (there's no non-gloss option for the purists out there). What's new is confirmation of a multi-touch glass trackpad, which suspiciously rids the computer of a single mouse button and adds some new gestures like app switching. Apple's also put in some effort on slimming down the computer, bringing it down to a mere 0.95-inches thick (though at 5.5 pounds it's a hair heavier than the original), but much of the real excitement happens under the hood. There's a new internal structure, that rumored "brick" of aluminum that helps Apple make the new Pro thin, strong and leaves room for the real goodies: the specs. Apple's using NVIDIA's new 9400M GPU + chipset 1-2 punch for integrated graphics, supplemented by 9600M GT switchable discreet graphics chip for heavy lifting, and pumping out those graphics over a Mini DisplayPort connector, if you'd like to supplement the LED backlit screen. As expected there's an SSD option, with drive accessible underneath the battery. The 15.4-inch base model retails for $1999, with a 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of DDR3 RAM and both GPUs. Step up to $2499 and you get a faster CPU, 4GB of RAM and a 320GB HDD. The 17-inch MacBook Pro comes in a similar configuration with a 2.6GHz processor, starting at $2799, but sans the redesign and GPU love. Hit the jump for a breakdown of the configurations.

Gallery: Apple's new MacBook Pro

Gallery: New MacBook Pro Official Pictures

Continue reading Apple's all-new MacBook Pro packs new NVIDIA GPUs, glass trackpad

Supposed MacBook Pro redesign, meet Mr. BlurryiPhonecam

by Paul Miller posted Sep 25th 2008 at 3:49PM

Look, there are a hundred reasons to think this might be fake. That janky right corner, the inexplicable "dock in the trackpad" conundrum, the odd lighting and the entirely-too-convenient iSight self portrait. Still, whoever made this has their finger on the pulse of the Apple faithful -- or pretty much anyone else that thinks Apple is long overdue for a MacBook Pro refresh. We've got Air-inspired curves, a touchscreen trackpad, aluminum and glass in the style of Apple's latest iMacs, and what appear to be separated keys, which have been slow in coming to the MacBook Pro holdout. Naturally there's zero info on who the source is, and we're expecting a "hah, I totally fooled you guys" to spring up at any moment, but there's clearly some pent up demand for this thing if the rumor mill is any indication.

Pictures of Apple's new MacBook leaked on Taiwanese site?

by Joshua Topolsky posted Aug 4th 2008 at 3:57PM

We can't say for sure these are the real deal, but if recent leaks of iPhone 3G production models are any indication, we might just be looking at Apple's new MacBook. It's a bit hard to make out what's happening in these photos, but to our eyes we're seeing the back of a metal laptop lid, as well as the as-yet-unused inner panel of the display. The text clearly reads MacBook, which falls right in line with rumors that the next iteration of the smaller laptops would be aluminum just like their big brothers. Right now it's anyone's guess if these pics are legit or not -- but you can be sure we'll be keeping a close watch on this one as these pictures emanate from the same site carrying the last supposed leak. Two more shots after the break.

Continue reading Pictures of Apple's new MacBook leaked on Taiwanese site?

Next-gen Toyota Prius: bigger, stronger, more Prius-like than ever before

by Joshua Topolsky posted Apr 29th 2008 at 1:35PM

We already know that Toyota has an eye to the future with the Prius, likely switching up the batteries and adding a plug-in option, but now we've got a little more news on what shape the next generation fuel-saver will take. According to Auto Observer, the new model (said to be showing up at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show) will sport a larger, 1.8 liter engine, a ten percent increase in fuel efficiency, and will undergo a fairly noticeable redesign (though we doubt it will end up looking like the concept car above). Pundits say the new Prius will be larger, may be available in a wagon version, and there are suspicions that Toyota will grow the brand and include a compact version of the hybrid as well. One thing's for sure: with an increase in production of 60 percent for the next iteration, the eco-friendly car is sticking around.

[Via AutoblogGreen]

Toshiba redesigns four Satellite families, intros Sleep-and-Charge USB ports

by Darren Murph posted Apr 1st 2008 at 10:59AM

Just in case a completely ho hum 17-incher wasn't enough to keep your attention this morning, Toshiba is trumpeting its "design prowess" by introducing four "re-imagined" Satellites. As of today, the 13.3-inch U400, 14.1-inch M300, 15.4-inch A300 (pictured) and 17-inch P300 have all been ever-so-slightly refreshed with the outfit's Fusion Finish, Feather-Touch multimedia keys, white LED accents and built-in Dolby Sound Room technology. Additionally, Tosh is unveiling its totally useful Sleep-and-Charge USB ports, which enable users to charge up their portable gadgetry via USB regardless of whether the laptop is powered on / off or in Sleep mode. Check out the gloating in full below.

Read - Toshiba Demonstrates Design Prowess with Four Re-Imagined Satellite Laptop
Read - Toshiba Unveils Innovative Sleep-and-Charge USB Ports

Pictures emerge of impending PlayStation Store redesign

by Darren Murph posted Apr 1st 2008 at 9:11AM

It's no big secret that Sony is gearing up to redesign the PlayStation Store for users in Europe and the US, but with just days to go until the hard hats are donned, we figured it prudent to pass along the latest tidbits surrounding the change. Apparently the refacing will start on April 3rd and finish up in around a fortnight, but until the job is finished, "no additional downloadable content will be posted." Of course, existing content will remain available, and chances are you'll appreciate the updates when all is said and done, but we know how tough it'll be to not log on weekly and eagerly sniff for all new material. Hit up the via for lots of pictures -- we're told it'll help the sting.

[Via PS3Fanboy, thanks Kiwi616]

Is Sony's PS3 getting a redesign?

by Joshua Topolsky posted Feb 1st 2008 at 9:47AM

According to T3 magazine and a "particularly well-informed insider," the PS3 is due not just for hard drive updates, but a total design revamp down to a slimmer and smaller package sometime in the Fall. If you believe what you read, the refreshed console will sport all the same specs, but will receive a fresh coat of paint, a trip through the shrinking machine, and probably a lightened load. Of course, this is all just wild speculation coupled with salacious, magazine-selling 3D renders of the phantom device, as Sony denies the existence of an update and we don't really know who this source is. On the other hand, the company pulls this kind of ditzy "who me?" stuff whenever it's got a new product up its sleeve -- though we're not feeling the timing on this shocker.

Nintendo's DS Lite getting redesigned?

by Darren Murph posted Jun 20th 2007 at 12:07PM

Don't place your bets just yet, but rumors are beginning to swirl in the DS Lite arena about a possible redesign. Considering all the PSP2 whispering that has been going on of late, it wouldn't be too surprising for Nintendo to plunk down a bombshell of its own in the face of competition, but moreover, we know Nintendo has a history of keeping its handheld hardware fresh. Be it colors or miniaturization, we've seen the firm's handhelds shrink and don new hues for ages, and the most recent blurb suggests that a new iteration of the DS could "feature a larger screen and more readable fonts for users who may have a difficult time playing on the smaller machine." Hey, it's not like grandpa isn't already getting his game on with another Big N product, right?

[Via DSFanboy]

Apple iMac redesign due this summer?

by Paul Miller posted Jun 18th 2007 at 1:59PM

It's pretty clear that "sooner or later" best describes the most solid info anyone has on Apple's next iMac refresh, but AppleInsider is now reporting that we'll be seeing the desktops in shiny new skins come late July-ish to mid-August-ish, which we suppose refines the launch window slightly. That lands the computer right in time for the back-to-school season, which sounds perfectly reasonable. AI is also sticking with its predictions of 20- and 24-inch models only, with the 17-inch getting left out of the makeover to wither on the vine. Nothing outlandish, but we're sure Apple could milk the current form factor for one more (if ill-fated) go 'round if they want to, so we won't believe a word of it until we see these pop up on the Apple Store.

PSP2 probably is or isn't coming -- maybe

by Ryan Block posted Mar 13th 2007 at 5:25PM

Almost since its inception the PSP has been subject of relentless redesign rumors -- and why not? By most portable gaming device standards it's positively ginormous. Blame it on the UMD, that beautifully massive 4.3-inch screen, or its lack of internal memory, but a thinner, trimmed down PSP is just what the doctor ordered. And while Sony has repeatedly (and expectedly) denied the prospect of an overhaul, SCE UK managing director Ray Maguire recently stated that a "smaller, lighter" PSP was in the wings; of course, that was immediately rebuked by an SCE UK statement that "There are no immediate changes planned for PSP." Look, the PSP isn't going to be like this forever -- either they introduce a new model, or they redesign the current one, but pretending like neither is happening is just silly. We're on to your little game, Sony!

Updated: New PSP design and features due for 2007?

by Paul Miller posted Aug 30th 2006 at 12:58PM

According to PlayStation Magazine -- and we suppose they would know -- Sony has a PSP redesign in the works. It's not a PSP 2, the rumored device resides squarely in the realm of redesign, but the supposed 8GB flash drive from Samsung, built-in EyeToy and a thinner, lighter form factor would all be welcome improvements to the current PSP. Actually, all the specs match up nicely with the PSP 2 rumors we were hearing earlier this year, but supposedly Sony wants to go with the Apple model of iPod upgrades, and stick with the single PSP name. In recent interviews, Sony's SCEA president Kaz Hirai didn't directly discount the idea of a PSP redesign, but he didn't really give it a lot of weight either. We're willing to give this rumor a fair shake, but we'll have to wait for more info and a real pic to see if this thing can have DS lite-ish success at its purported March 2007 launch -- Sony sure could use a hit.

UPDATE: Our original post was based on a fan-made PSP mockup from Joystiq's writeup that threw us off the trail, but now we've got a thumbnail of the magazine scan thanks to PSP Fanboy.

[Via Joystiq]

Microsoft planning simpler controller?

by Evan Blass posted Jun 25th 2006 at 12:37PM

Like many baby boomers, even Xbox chief Peter Moore is getting a little confused by all the buttons and joysticks being crammed onto modern gamepads, and some recent comments he made may indicate that Microsoft is actually working on ways to dumb-down the increasingly complex controller. In an interview with Gamertag radio, Moore seemingly put the "shoulder buttons, triggers, analog sticks, and d-pads" on today's controllers in a negative light compared to the "old Atari 2600 button-and-stick, which everybody could pick up and have some fun with." Even Moore's 14-year-old daughter reportedly finds the 360 controller somewhat confusing, with the man himself mentioning that Microsoft is "doing a lot of stuff there," but that they won't release a product that's not "intuitive and innovative." We're all for input devices being as intuitive as possible, but instead of wasting time trying to innovative, maybe Microsoft should just cave in and adopt a certain technology that's already proving to be pretty popular.